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SEATTLE— Katherine Applegate, author of “The One and Only Ivan,”and Jon Klassen, illustrator of” This Is Not My Hat” are the 2013 winners of the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals, the most prestigious awards in children’s literature.

Katherine Applegateand Jon Klassenwere among the award winners announced January 28, by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, Jan. 25-29. The Newbery and Caldecott Medals honor outstanding writing and illustration of works published in the United States during the previous year.

The 2013 Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to children’s literature went to Katherine Applegate for “The One and Only Ivan,” illustrated byPatricia Castelaoand published byHarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. Ivan’s transformative emergence from the “Ape at Exit 8” to “The One and Only Ivan, Mighty Silverback,” comes to life through the gorilla’s own distinct narrative voice, which is filled with wry humor, deep emotion and thought-provoking insights into the nature of friendship, hope and humanity.

“Katherine Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla’s-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves,” said Newbery Medal Committee Chair Steven Engelfried.

Born in Michigan, Katherine Applegate now lives in California. “The One and Only Ivan” was inspired by a real shopping-mall gorilla named Ivan. Katherine’s other books include “Home of the Brave” and the Animorphs series, which she co-wrote with her husband, Michael Grant.

The 2013 Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book is awarded to Jon Klassenfor “This Is Not My Hat,” written by Jon Klassenand published by Candlewick Press.In this darkly humorous tale, a tiny fish knows it’s wrong to steal a hat. It fits him just right. But the big fish wants his hat back. Klassen’s controlled palette, opposing narratives and subtle cues compel readers to follow the fish and imagine the consequence.

“Splendors and Glooms” by Laura Amy Schlitz, published by Candlewick Press. Lizzie Rose, Parsefall and Clara are caught in the clutches of a wicked puppeteer and a powerful witch in this deliciously dark and complex tale set in Dickensian England, where adventure and suspense are interwoven into nuanced explorations of good versus evil.

Laura Amy Schlitz is a librarian, storyteller and author in Baltimore, Maryland. Her books for children include “A Drowned Maiden’s Hair,” “The Night Fairy” and “Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village,” for which she won the 2008 Newbery Medal. Making marionettes is one of her many hobbies.

“Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon” by Steve Sheinkin, published by Flash Point, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press. Balancing intersecting threads of scientific discovery, political intrigue and military strategy, “Bomb” is a riveting historical nonfiction drama. Sheinkin’s engaging narrative explores the complex series of events that led to the creation of the ultimate weapon and introduces many memorable personalities involved in the pursuit.

Steve Sheinkin was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up reading action stories and outdoor adventures. He has written short stories, screenplays, comics and textbooks, as well as “The Notorious Benedict Arnold,” a biography for children.

“Three Times Lucky” by Sheila Turnage, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. In the rich tradition of Southern storytelling, rising sixth-grader Mo LoBeau leads the eccentric residents of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, on a rollicking journey of mystery, adventure and small-town intrigue as she investigates a murder and searches for her long-lost mother.

Sheila Turnage grew up on a farm in Eastern North Carolina. She now lives on a North Carolina farm with her family, which includes “a smart dog, an ill-tempered cat, a dozen chickens and a flock of guineas.” “Three Times Lucky” is her first novel for middle-grade readers.

Five Caldecott Honor Books were named:

“Creepy Carrots!” illustrated by Peter Brown, written by Aaron Reynolds and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. Jasper the rabbit loves carrots until he notices they are everywhere. He is convinced they’re coming for him! Pronounced shadows, black borders and shaded edges enhance this ever so slightly sinister tale with a distinctly cinematic feel. This is one serving of carrots children will eagerly devour.

“Extra Yarn,” illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett and published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. A selfish archduke threatens to halt a little girl's transformation of a colorless town and steal her box of magical yarn. Klassen's innovative digital technique results in shifts of color that signal character change and critical turns of plot -all done with just the right stitches of humor.

“Green,” illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, written by Laura Vaccaro Seeger and published by Neal Porter Books, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press. In this original concept book, Seeger engages all the senses with her fresh approach to the multiple meanings of “green.” Using thickly-layered acrylics, word pairings and cleverly placed die cuts, she invites readers to pause, pay attention and wonder.

“One Cool Friend,” illustrated by David Small, written by Toni Buzzeo and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Energetic line and dizzying perspective combine for a rollicking tale of Father, Elliot and a highly improbable pet (or two). Buzzeo’s text, brimming with sly wordplay, earns its perfect counterpoint in Small’s ink, watercolor and pencil illustrations with chilly details and visual jokes that invite many repeated readings.

“Sleep Like a Tiger,” illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Mary Logue and

published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. This bedtime story features a little girl who does not want to go to sleep. Surrounded with dreamlike images of crowns, ornate patterns and repeated visual motifs, her parents coax her into bed. Using mixed media artwork on wood enhanced with computer illustrations, this is a whimsical story with universal appeal.